Indiana Pacers: Top 5 second round picks for the 2022 NBA Draft

The Indiana Pacers will have the first pick in the second round of the NBA Draft this season. Since the NBA expanded to 30-teams, this pick has been traded eleven out of the last eighteen years.

The best player to be drafted with pick 31 is former Indiana Pacers forward, Bojan Bogdanovic. After that, it has yet to develop any quality starter from this selection.

However, there have been players selected after pick 31 that have translated into great NBA players, so this is still a valuable pick for the Pacers and there are some names that I like for them in the upcoming draft.

Here are the Top 5 players that I think the Indiana Pacers should consider taking in the 2nd round of the NBA Draft.

1.  Leonard Miller

Miller is a 6’10” forward with a 7-3 wingspan. Miller is from Fort Erie High School in Canada. He is draft-eligible this year because he turned 18 in 2021. He is a late name to the draft class, as many expected him to go to college and enter the draft in 2023. However, Miller is keeping his college eligibility and entering his name into the draft.

The thing I love about Miller’s game the most is his ability to be a three-level scorer. Although he has an odd-looking shot (which we are familiar with here in Indiana thanks to Reggie Miller) he is a knock-down shooter, especially from three. He is a capable ball-handler that can finish with his left and his right, although he shoots with his left hand. Lastly, the young man is oozing with confidence.

Overall, today’s NBA loves wings with size that can score from the outside, inside, and mid-range. Miller can do that, but he will have growing pains as a young prospect who hasn’t played against other NBA talent. There is a solid chance that his skill set puts him in the first round, but if he is there at pick 31, the Pacers would be doing themselves a disservice if they don’t select him.

Lastly, we know what the names Leonard (Bobby ‘Slick’) and Miller (Reggie) mean to this franchise. How could the Indiana Pacers go wrong picking a player with those ties?

2.  Terquavion Smith

At 6’4” and just 160 pounds, you might be wondering why this young man is someone I am interested in for the Pacers with their 31st overall pick. Smith shot 37% from three for North Carolina State this season on eight attempts per game. Not only is he a solid shooter, but he is a bouncy prospect that can get above the rim.

With his incredible athleticism, Smith is an irksome defender. He plays the passing lanes well and can get stops on defense despite his size.

The biggest weaknesses to Smith’s game are his streaky shooting, bad shot attempts, and his inconsistency in running the point. As a freshman, Smith was on the All-ACC Freshman Team. He showcased enough in his freshman year that he can be a pro-level player.

3.  Bryce McGowens

The Nebraska Huskers wingman Bryce McGowens has been linked to the Pacers in various mock drafts at pick 31. There is a good reason for this. At 6’7” and 179 pounds, McGowens has the size and athleticism to thrive in the NBA if drafted to the right team.

For Nebraska, he averaged 16.8 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game. His shooting numbers are a bit intimidating, as he shot just 27.4% from three. He did shoot 83% from the free-throw line, so hopefully, he will be able to develop his shooting range.

The reason that he projects to be a good player comes down to his athleticism and basketball instincts. McGowens has a smooth handle, can play above the rim, loves to get out in transition and run, and has a knack for scoring the basketball.

He will have to get stronger on the inside, allowing him to finish through contact and not fade out of games, especially when he is having an off night. Overall, I like his potential and think he could fit in nicely with the Indiana Pacers depending on what they do with their 1st round pick.

4.  Harrison Ingram

The Pac-12 Rookie of the Year showed flashes of potential and upside all year long for Stanford. The 6’8”, 230-pound forward is a terrific passer and playmaker. Ingram uses his size to his advantage, and was impactful in the pick-and-roll, but will need to continue working on his three-point shot.

He rebounds the basketball well, has a stocky frame, and uses his size to attack inside. While he is not an above-average athlete, he still has the capability to play above the rim. With his willingness to pass the ball and find others, he can play point guard or the wing position.

Ingram will have to improve on finishing through traffic, finishing with his left hand, and shooting off the dribble. Overall, there is a lot to like about Ingram’s game. With a frame like his with a 7-0 wingspan, I won’t be shocked if he gets drafted earlier than 31. The Indiana Pacers could use another athlete with playmaking abilities and defensive upside.

5.  Jabari Walker

Jabari Walker, son of former Pacer Samaki Walker,  is a talented young forward who is 6’9” and 215-pounds. He took leaps during the last third of the season, as he shot 47.6% from three over the final 11-games of the season.

With a 7-0 wingspan, the 20-year-old redshirt freshman from Colorado uses his length and size to be aggressive and impactful on the glass. Walker was the top rebounder in the Pac-12 this season with 9.4 per game.

Scouts have raved about Walker’s high basketball IQ. Although a lot of people didn’t get a chance to watch him play at Colorado, he was third in free-throw attempts for the Pac-12.

He will have to improve on his rim attacking, finishing through contact, and getting all the way to the rim versus stopping short and taking a floater. Overall, Walker is projected to get drafted in the early to middle of the second round. I love his upside and believe he will be an impactful player that can be plugged into any team and any system.